Was I the only one who ordered Deborah Lippmann’s Waking Up in Vegas ($16) after All Lacquered Up reported that this polish was used on Lady Gaga on September’s Vanity Fair cover? Or that wondered whether “Greige”–the name used to described this color was “The New Taupe”?

Waking Up in Vegas–like the song that becomes an earworm stuck in my mind–is an easy, edgy, so-this-season polish that I’ll reach for again and again. Application was very easy, coverage was nearly opaque in one coat and completely covered in two. The color attracts enough attention, and is deliberately different enough from last winter’s taupes, to look fresh for Fall. If you wear neutral grays, blacks and whites, it’s the easiest color in the world to integrate into your wardrobe. Pair this with a nude (or a deep red) lip and you’ll be ready.

I’ve been wearing this over Creative Nail Design’s Stickey basecoat, topped with Poshe’s topcoat successfully. I’m sure other base and topcoat (taupe-coat?) combinations would work equally well–this nail polish has a good formula with a medium-to-fast dry time.

Out of the bottle, Waking Up in Vegas is a gray with a touch of warm beige. It’s light without being delicate and applies like a true creme in texture. There is no shimmer, no frost, no fleck, no jelly. Just straight, uncompromising color (which may be what gives the polish its edge).

The warmth of Lippmann’s Waking Up in Vegas is readily apparent after comparing it to a true gray, here Rescue Beauty Lounge’s Concrete Jungle. Of course, Waking Up if Vegas is much lighter and softer than the comparatively brown Chanel Particuliere.

I looked for close duplicates in my stash, and the nearest shades were Essie’s Body Language (which is more pink) and Essie’s Playa de Platinum which is a bit lighter. Because of its lightness, Playa de Platinum feels more summery to me, and it may be a little harder to integrate Playa de Platinum with Fall’s deeper colored clothing.

To other readers: Milani Bare to Wear is a dupe for Lippmann Waking Up in Vegas. Milani Teddy Bare is a dupe for Chanel Particuliere. If you can’t find Milani in drugstores, you can order directly from Milani’s website. Nope, I don’t work for Milani. I’m simply ecstatic that Milani’s Haute Value collection has duped many expensive polishes. Milani Dress Maker finally fulfilled my Chanel Jade lemming.

Sorry, Sam I’m not sure. Lippmann’s site only lists one location in Ireland–nothing in the UK at all! 🙁 I’m not sure if there are independent sources for it there–perhaps someone from the UK will weigh in. Also, I know Nordstrom ships internationally but not all products, and the shipping rate can be high.

It looks beautiful. I was curious about this shade and these comparisons are so helpful! 🙂 I love Poshe topcoat–it is my longtime favorite. (I got Essie’s Body Language yesterday and really like it so far.)

I really like the look of this polish. I believe the Lipmann polishes are coming to the UK very soon, so I’ll be looking them out. Ooh, sorry I just saw Sam was asking about this. Sam, they will be available soon I think, I’m sure lipglossiping mentioned this recently. 🙂
Jane x